“Who’re you messaging?”
I haven’t told anyone here about New Year’s Eve. I mean, I told them I went to visit Sean, because they obviously wantedto know why I wasn’t meeting up with them. But I haven’t mentioned Jerry to anyone. Not that there’s all that much to tell.
We kissed.
It was hot.
But it was also a one-off.
And now we text every so often. Random shit about work or stuff on tv, anything that I think he might find funny. But nothing serious, and after that first time, he hasn’t asked.
Like I said . . . it’s nice.
“Is it someone I know?” he asks when I don’t answer.
“Nope.”
His eyes narrow. “It’s not Sean, is it?”
“What? No!” I send him a withering look, which he totally deserves. “You know we’re just friends, and I already told you he’s got a new—well,old, I guess—boyfriend.”
“Well, you don’t go anywhere to meet new people, and if it’s not someone I know...” His eyes widen. “Oh.”
It takes me a second to get where his mind has gone. “It’s not that either.” It’s been a while since I’ve used an app for my dating or sex life, and I’m in no hurry to change that. I huff because he’s showing no signs of letting this go. “It’s someone I met when I went to Charnwell for New Year’s.”
His eyes light up.
“Just a friend,” I add quickly. “We spent the evening together in the pub, but nothing happened.”
Except that kiss, but that’s what you do at midnight. It didn’t mean anything.
Paul’s disappointment is obvious. I’m pretty sure he was hoping I’d have a secret boyfriend or at least a potential hook-up.
“Sorry it’s not more interesting.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” He eyes my phone again as the screen lights up, Jerry’s name like a flashing sign pointing out that I’m full of shit. “Seems plenty interesting.”
“It’s not like that.” I pick my phone up and slip it into my pocket, ignoring the pull to read the message. It’s harder than it should be. “I’m not looking for anything more than a friend, and he gets it. And...” I don’t want to make Paul feel guilty or anything, but if I explain, then maybe he’ll let this drop. “I like that he has no connection to anyone here. That he’s onlymyfriend.”
Paul slumps back in his chair with a sigh. “Yeah, I get that.” He nudges me under the table with his foot. “And I’m glad you’ve got him. Even if I’m a little bit jealous that he can make you grin like that when all I get is huffs and eye rolls.”
I nudge him back. “That’s bollocks.” I don’t even realise I’ve rolled my eyes until he points a finger at me and laughs.
“See!” His grin is infectious though, and I find myself returning it.
When we head back to the office, I’m in a much better mood than I normally am after running into Karl. Whether that’s because of Paul, or Jerry, or maybe the fact I’m actually starting to move past it all, I don’t care. I feel lighter, freer than I have in months and it’s so fucking refreshing that my smile lasts all day.
Reed:So, as a country vet, do you have to treat farm animals?
I actually have no idea if there are farms around Charnwell, it’s not something I’ve ever thought about before. Jerry’s only mentioned a few of his patients so far, and they’ve all been either cats or dogs, with the odd rabbit thrown in.
Reed: Are there any farms near you?
It’s almost midnight when he replies.
Jerry: Are there any farms? You’re kidding, right?
I can almost hear the incredulity in his tone and I’m already smiling as I type back.
